Stretch marks, or striae, are marks that appear as the result of either over-stretching the skin or an increase in the adrenal hormone cortisone. Stretch marks are common during events such as weight gain and pregnancy, but can also occur due to disease or even the use of certain steroid medications. When you start to see the first signs of stretch marks forming on the skin, there are several ways you can help control their formation.
Weight Control
One of the leading causes of stretch marks is weight gain. The more weight you gain, the more fat builds beneath the surface of the skin, stretching skin tissue beyond its normal limits. By following the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations of exercising at least 150 minutes each week and sticking to a healthy diet, you can help control weight gain and control the production of stretch marks at the same time.
Moisturizers
A commonly used remedy for stretch marks is moisturizing lotions, such as those with cocoa butter. The theory behind the use of these products is that the lotion will keep the skin moisturized and soft, helping control stretch marks from forming during times in your life when you are more prone to stretch marks, such as during pregnancy. Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic suggests that although using a moisturizer or cream will not harm your skin, it will also most likely not provide any help against the stretch marks forming.
Tretinoin Cream
Tretinoin cream is a popular option for helping control the look of stretch marks. Tretinoin is a prescription-strength retinoid that works on stretch marks by rebuilding the collagen beneath the affected skin. Collagen is an important protein that can help plump up the stretch marks to an even level with surrounding skin, reducing their overall appearance.
Due to possible birth defects related to tretinoin, the Food and Drug Administration only recommends using the medication during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus, which is not the case for most stretch marks.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is another treatment option for controlling stretch marks. During microdermabrasion, a wand-like device is passed over the affected skin as it propels abrasive crystals of zinc or aluminum oxide. The abrasiveness of these crystals resurfaces the skin and activates the production of collagen. The new skin growth as the treatment heals is also more elastic, which may help reduce the appearance of older stretch marks, states the Mayo Clinic.
Laser Therapies
Laser therapies are a new addition to treatments for stretch marks on the skin. Lasers can alter stretch marks in two ways. Pulsed dye lasers and fractional photothermolysis use non-ablative lasers to penetrate into the skin to activate the production of collagen and elastin, while treatment with an excimer laser stimulates melanin production. Melanin is the substance that provides your skin with its color, and by stimulating its production the excimer laser can help match the color of the stretch marks to the surrounding skin.
